2011 Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
Lustrous ruby with a narrow orange rim. Enticing nose of red fruit, oatmeal and herbs. Succulent fruit, but still very embryonic and with youthful sweetness. Firm, slightly drying tannins but you can see these will integrate with more bottle age, which it needs. Sleek yet firm. (WS)
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Cerbaiona's 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is one of the protagonists of the vintage. There is no denying the sheer beauty and focus of this wine. It makes a fabulous first impact with super sharp tones of wild berry, cola, balsam herb, flint and crushed oyster shell. Those drying mineral notes leave a lasting impression. In the mouth, this wine is super elegant, tight and delicately nuanced. Unfortunately, I have not had the best track record with aged Brunello from Cerbaiona (ten years or more) personally, but I am hopeful that a wine of this caliber and depth will restore my faith. No matter what the aging trajectory ultimately demonstrates, this wine certainly does taste fantastic at this young stage.
The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is a surprisingly delicate wine by Cerbaiona standards. Lifted and aromatically expressive, the 2011 will drink well early. Crushed flowers, sweet red berries, cherry and mint are some of the signatures. The 2011 offers lovely freshness for the year, but less depth and quite a bit less of the visceral thrill of the best years.
Mid ruby with bricky rim. Modernist nose with opulence of fruit, that is a tiny bit singed yet energetic. Even more so on the palate which is elegant, juicy and tannic. Very promising. (WS)
About the producer
A cult address for many Italian fine wine lovers, Cerbaiona is one of Montalcino’s top estates. The site has long been identified as special, but it was Diego Molinari who established its reputation. Today, Matthew Fioretti is at the helm, bringing the estate into the modern era.